Credit union loan balances are growing steadily, increasing from 5.3% in 2020. Experts predict loans to escalate 9% each year in 2022 and 2023 after the economy returns to normal, infrastructure expenditure begins, and unemployment levels decrease. As loan balances continue to rise, credit unions are searching for strategies to increase direct lending that will boost profits and set the stage for cross-sales.

Indirect lending has grown substantially over the past several years, especially with the auto lending market. While auto loans grew 18% between 2011 and 2016, other loans grew at just 10%. Today, auto loans comprise 35% of most credit union’s portfolios, however, we’re starting to see a shift where credit unions are backing off of indirect lending programs. It has become clear to the credit union industry that the benefits do not necessarily outweigh the drawbacks. Here are some pros and even more cons of indirect lending: